Jon Gruden on Tuesday addressed a rumor that the New York Jets had approached him for some sort of role on the team’s offensive staff.
On Thursday’s edition of “The Drive with TKras” on 95.3 WDAE in Tampa, Gruden addressed claims that he rebuffed the Jets’ attempts to get him to join their staff. Gruden dismissed the claim as “ridiculous” and said he had never spoken to the Jets.
Today, Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) shut down New York Jets coaching staff rumors with @TKras#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/jWGdd5YPxv
— 95.3 WDAE & AM620 (@953WDAE) January 29, 2026
“There’s a lot of stupid rumors out there. Some of these reports are ridiculous,” Gruden said. “Let’s just say that there was never anything from the Jets and I wish them well in their search for a new offensive coordinator.”
Reports suggested the Jets had reached out to Gruden about a role with the team, but Gruden turned them down. That reported approach happened before the Jets fired offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand on Tuesday.
Gruden and those around him have made it clear in the past that he covets another chance to be a head coach at the NFL level. He may be waiting for a better opportunity, but either way, he pretty vehemently denied any interest in this role, or even receiving an approach.
